comment

If it's digital and has a screen, Howard Finkel can fix it. And if it's new and never-before-seen, he can teach anyone how to use it.

Finkel, a resident of Eastchester, heads a service known as ComputerWiz out of his home and car. Hell travel anywhere from Westchester to Long Island to help people with technical issues.

Operating out of his station wagon with much of his business in North Castle, Finkel said he provides hands-on service by showing up at the homes of his clients, rather than having them drive their digital devices to him. It's also a practice he said leads to better business.

"I bring it all to them," he said. "And then, all of a sudden, they have 10 computers that need fixing."

Finkel used to have an office in Armonk, but left to bring his services to the consumers himself. His building once stood on Main Street, where the long-awaited
Armonk Square
is scheduled to be built.

"Sometimes, it's better to shake a hand and look someone in the eye," he said. "Old fashioned business works."

His services include anything digital, from resolving computer viruses to creating online presentations or software installation.

Cara Cohen-Finkel, Howard's wife, said his technological expertise has become an asset to their home.

"He is capable with all electronics and it's great when we need something hooked up or fixed," she said. "He has ways of figuring things out and he takes the time to teach anyone."

Finkel grew up in New Rochelle and said he learned how to stay ahead of the technological curve from his father, who used to repair air conditioners.

"You have to keep up with technology as it's happening," he said. "I go to the Apple store every couple of weeks just to play around."

Finkel runs a 24-hour repair service and can be reached at (914) 403-1520.